Privacy policy
Last updated: 28 October 2026
This policy explains how Smooth Sailing Tax uses your personal information when you use this website or become a client. Smooth Sailing Tax is a trading name of Christopher Davies, a sole trader based in England, who is the data controller for your information. You can contact us at smoothsailingtax@gmail.com.
What we collect
- When you use the contact or MTD checker forms: your name, email address, phone number (if you give it), your message, the best time to call, what type of customer you are, and the result of the MTD checker.
- When you become a client: identity documents and address checks we are required to carry out under anti-money laundering rules, your National Insurance number and Unique Taxpayer Reference, and the income, expense, property and other financial records needed to keep your books and prepare your tax returns and MTD updates.
- Technical information: our hosting provider keeps basic server logs (such as IP address and browser type) to keep the site secure. This website does not use advertising or analytics cookies.
The MTD checker itself runs in your browser. The figures you type into it are not sent to us unless you choose to submit the form underneath it.
How we use it, and why we're allowed to
- To reply to your enquiry and give you a quote, because you have asked us to (steps before entering into a contract).
- To email you about your MTD checker result, because you have given consent by ticking the box. You can withdraw this at any time by emailing us or using the unsubscribe link.
- To provide our services to clients, because it is needed to perform our contract with you.
- To carry out identity checks, keep records and report to HMRC where required, because the law requires it (including the Money Laundering Regulations 2017).
- To run and protect our business, for example keeping records in case of a complaint or claim, because we have a legitimate interest in doing so.
Who we share it with
We never sell your information. We share it only where needed with:
- HMRC, when we submit returns and updates for you or where the law requires it;
- service providers who help us run the business, such as our website host (Netlify), email provider (Google), bookkeeping and MTD software, identity-check services and our insurers;
- our anti-money laundering supervisor, regulators or the police, if we are legally required to.
Some of these providers may process data outside the UK. Where they do, they use legal safeguards approved under UK data protection law, such as the UK International Data Transfer Addendum or adequacy regulations.
How long we keep it
- Enquiries that don't lead to work: up to 12 months.
- Client records and anti-money laundering checks: at least 5 years after our working relationship ends (the legal minimum), and up to 7 years so we can deal with any HMRC enquiry or claim.
- Marketing consent: until you unsubscribe.
Your rights
You have the right to ask for a copy of your information, to have it corrected or deleted, to restrict or object to how we use it, to have it moved to another provider, and to withdraw consent at any time. Some rights are limited where the law requires us to keep records. To make a request, email smoothsailingtax@gmail.com. We will reply within one month.
Keeping it safe
We use accounts protected by strong passwords and two-step verification, and we only give access to the people and services that need it.
Complaints
If you are unhappy with how we have used your information, please contact us first. You can also complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint or on 0303 123 1113.
Changes
We may update this policy from time to time. The date at the top shows when it was last changed.